As a first unit in computer programming, Programming Fundamentals covers basic computer architecture, basic data and file structures, concept of algorithms, programming constructs, programming language features and functions, program design, test design, basic documentation. A high level programming language is employed to solve problems in a structured manner.

The unit provides students with an introductory understanding of a range of communication theories and practices necessary for academic work and professional success.

This unit provides an introduction to systems analysis and design. Incorporating systems concepts, theories and methodologies, this unit provides students with elementary problem solving experience in computerised information systems. Students will gain the ability to derive systems requirements from problem definitions and to produce system models using process, data, object and network modelling. Design and implementation issues include, (but may not be limited to), elementary database design, input, output and user interface design and prototyping. Students are also introduced to roles and responsibilities in information systems development, selection of packaged solutions and the principles of software quality.

This unit aims to give students the ability to recognise and expound about business information systems with regard to type, function, and purpose, and the frameworks within which these systems are used. Topics in this unit include computing fundamentals; computer hardware and software; computers and society; use of business application packages – spreadsheets, word processing, database, graphics; organisational information systems; information systems development and acquisition; data and knowledge management; electronic commerce, internets, extranets; networking; enterprise-wide information systems; the internet and information systems security; privacy, ethics and computer crime.

Computer Networking is an introductory unit in computer systems networking. It covers basic networking technologies, Ethernet fundamentals, ISO OSI model, routing, switching and subnetting, the Internet architecture, networking protocols including TCP/IP, important networking devices such as repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, routers and gateways, basic management and security issues. This unit is also the first of three units, which will prepare students for industry based networking certification (CCNA).

The main purpose of this unit is to provide students with an opportunity to gain a basic knowledge of database design and development including data modeling methods, techniques for database design using a set of business rules that are derived from a case study and finally implementation of the database using a commercial relational database management system. The unit also examines a number of important database concepts such as database administration, concurrency, backup and recovery and security. At the same time student learning and intercommunication skills are enhanced by running tutorial presentations and group assignments.

Analyzing and modeling requirements using the object-oriented (OO) approach is the core strength of this unit. The system analysis is taken to greater depths within the context of Object Orientation. The Unified Modeling Language version 2.0 (notably use cases, activity diagrams, class diagrams and sequence diagrams) is used as a modeling standard for creating OO models in the problem space. This unit also covers methodologies for OO analysis work through practical case studies.

Building on material covered in Programming Fundamentals this unit introduces students to the basics of developing interactive and dynamic web applications from both the client and server perspective. The unit covers web site design, web site development, web page accessibility and usability, XHTML, CSS, client side and server side scripting, database interaction, web site promotion (SEO), legal issues and web security.

A key component to the discipline of Information Systems is the understanding and the advocacy of the user in the development of IT applications and systems. IT graduates must develop a mind-set that recognizes the importance of users and organizational contexts. They must employ user-centered methodologies in the development, evaluation, and deployment of IT applications and systems. This unit examines human-computer interaction in order to develop and evaluate software, websites and information systems that not only look professional but are usable, functional and accessible.

This unit builds on the programming foundation laid in the unit Programming Fundamentals. Utilising an object-oriented language it continues the development of programming skills and methodologies required for professional programming and for further study in later computing units. Topics covered include object-oriented programming techniques of encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism, programming concepts including pointers, references, multi-dimensional arrays, strings, file I/O, and abstract data types.

Statistics for Business introduces the basic concepts and techniques of statistics that are particularly relevant to problem solving in business. It also provides a sound base for more advanced study in statistics and forecasting in subsequent sessions. Topics include: presentation of data; descriptive statistics; the role of uncertainty in business decision making; hypothesis testing; and basic forecasting.

In this unit students further develop their theoretical and practical skills in designing and developing web based information systems using systems analysis, programming, database, human computer interaction and web technologies skills that they have learnt in previous units. Current web development technologies and/or frameworks will be utilised to build a complex web information system in a collaborative web development team. Techniques of porting web systems to mobile platforms will also be explored.

This unit identifies and analyses various principles and technologies related to security and privacy and discusses practical application of those principles and technologies in securing computer systems. It is designed to provide basic computer security skills required by any discipline that uses computer systems and also lays a solid foundation for individuals who are keen to pursue a career in computer security. In particular, but not limited to, this unit aims at the implementation and management of security and privacy policies of organisations within the standards and legal framework that is also applicable to the Australian standards.

This unit provides a detailed overview of system implementation stages taking into the consideration steps necessary to place the newly developed system into production, educate consumers and system users, confirm accuracy of data needed for the system’s accurate functionality and assure that all business functions that interact with the system are performing properly. In addition, this unit aims to portray how project management skills are crucial in timely production and delivery of the final product. At the completion of the successful deployment system is usually transitioned to system support and maintenance therefore the overview of the transition process is also portrayed.

This unit builds on students' existing understanding of programming principles to develop software applications situated within the Microsoft Office environment. Typical applications of this type might incorporate Microsoft Word, Excel, Access or PowerPoint. This unit covers the development of programs for Microsoft Office Applications using both recorded macros and Visual Basic for Applications Procedures. It provides a solid understanding of the knowledge and skills required to create applications using the Microsoft Visual Basic for Application's inbuilt functions and classes. It is a preparation and foundation for the construction of related, but more complex, applications using the Microsoft API or VB.NET. The unit also provides a foundation for the use of scripting and macro languages both for the web and for operating systems.

This is a final year unit that builds on foundation and intermediate computing units to prepare students for professional experience. The unit covers the content in three modules as 1) Ethics and Professional Code of Conduct, 2) Project Management, and 3) Legal, Social, Environmental issues, Quality Assurance and IT Compliance. The content covered in these three modules are carefully designed to fill in the gaps in knowledge that is not so far covered previous units in preparing students for the challenging projects units and professional working life ahead. This unit is a pre-requisite to the capstone project, covered in Professional Experience Project unit.

This unit provides a means for students to explore the changing nature of information systems in organisations. Specifically, the role that emerging technologies play in both the design and development of information systems is critically examined. Students will be able to research and assess new technologies, as well as develop and implement effective strategies for achieving change in information systems based on the feasibility of the introduction of the technologies.

Professional Experience is a final year capstone project unit. This unit provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in software systems requirements definition, analysis, design and implementation, in a real-world setting. Students work in groups, guided by an academic supervisor or an industry mentor, in achieving the goals set by the client that provides the project. Suitable projects are sourced from external organisations or within UWS by way of giving the students professional experience in independent learning and reflective practice.